Anti-magnetic watches

Watches that continue to operate (with deviations under particular limits) when exposed to the influence of magnetic fields of a certain strength may be called anti-magnetic according to DIN.

Anti-shock movement mount

A unique rubberised mount which encloses and secures the watch movement in a case connected to the outer case solely by a flexible ring. Shocks to the watch allow the movement case to float and absorb much of the shock energy.

Automatic winding

A watch in which the mainspring is wound by harnessing the movement of the wearer’s arm/wrist. These movements cause the rotor (an oscillating weight) to rotate and wind the mainspring.

Balance

The balance works in combination with the balance-spring to regulate the rate of a mechanical watch. The balance usually comes in the form of a three-spoke wheel whereby oscillations are translated into the movement of the pallets via a small ruby pin (the impulse pin). In classical watch movements, the balance oscillates at a rate of 5 beats per second (bph), the equivalent to 18,000bph. To improve the precision, modern wristwatches have an increased rate of 19,800, 21,600, 28,800 or sometimes 36,000bph. In quality wristwatches, the balance is made of an alloy called Glucydur, a mixture of copper and beryllium and iron which has a hardness of 380 Vickers, allowing it to be carefully regulated and riveted in position. Temperature also has very little effect on this alloy.

Balance spring

A spiral of ribbon-shaped metal, coiled 12 to 15 times, that ensures that the balance oscillates at a regular rate. The balance spring is securely fastened to the balance’s axis of rotation and delivers the braking and acceleration energies required to keep the balance rotating. Nivarox is the special alloy used for quality springs. Nivarox is an alloy that doesn’t rust, and is immune to magnetism and temperature.

B-EBE2000

All Bremont watches are treated for hardness with B-EBE2000 technology. This special stage in the case production, in which the metal is bombarded with electrons, gives the stainless steel a dramatically increased hardness and scratch resistance. On the Vickers scale of hardness, B-EBE2000 produces a watch case with a value of 2000, which is approximately seven times that of the normal stainless steel used for watch cases.

Calibre

A term used to describe the form and/or size of a movement and often specifying the type of movement.

Chronograph

A watch with a stopwatch mechanism.

Chronometer

Movements the accuracy of which has been tested and passed by an official 15-day series of tests by the COSC, over a range of temperatures and five physical positions. The average daily deviation rate of the movement must be between –4 and +6 seconds and only then does the movement earn the right to be designated as a chronometer and receive a certificate issued by the COSC.